Pixel Tablet 2: In summary
- Google’s second-generation flagship Android tablet
- Reportedly cancelled due to worries of poor sales
- Could well be working on a Pixel Tablet 3, however
Google’s flagship Android tablet and iPad rival is two years old, so where is the Pixel Tablet 2?
The Pixel Tablet arrived on 10 May 2023 and though not all devices have a 12-month refresh cycle, a replacement would normally have arrived by now.
However, there’s still no sign of a Pixel Tablet 2, which Google may never release. However, there is still hope for the future of the Pixel Tablet line.
Here’s everything we know so far from rumours and our expert analysis and wishes.
When is the Pixel Tablet 2 release date?
In summary
- The Pixel Tablet 2 is reportedly cancelled
- A no-show at Google I/O
- Google may still be working on another tablet, however
It was thought that the Pixel Tablet 2 was going to arrive with the Pixel 9 range of phones and Pixel Watch 3 in August 2024.
That did not happen, despite the credible sources for that piece of information, so the wait went on for Google’s next Android tablet.
The latest is that Google has cancelled the Pixel Tablet 2 (thought to be codenamed ‘kiyomi’), with the news coming shortly after leaks about the device and citing worries about poor sales resulting in a loss.
Presumably, the company made this decision based on the sales performance figures of the original Pixel Tablet.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Rumours on the Pixel Tablet 2 have dried up since then (Nov 2024), which certainly corroborates this theory. However, Google seemingly hasn’t given up on the Pixel Tablet line after just one model.
Google may still be working on the Pixel Tablet 3 (though it may not call it that for obvious reasons), which may arrive in 2027 as a powerful device running on a Tensor G6 processor.
We had our fingers crossed for some news, even a teaser, at Google I/O, where the firm broke news of the original Pixel Tablet, but it wasn’t to be.
The next chance will be the Made by Google launch event, thought to be taking place in August, where the Pixel 10 series and Pixel Watch 4 are expected to arrive – but don’t hold your breath.
Sources: Phone Arena | Android Authority
How much will the Pixel Tablet 2 cost?
In summary
- Similar price to the original Pixel Tablet
- Should offer the tablet and docking station separately
The Pixel Tablet 2 may never see the light of day, but it was widely thought that Google would follow the same pricing structure as the original.
That would mean a price of £599/$499 for a 128GB storage capacity and bundled docking station (worth £139/$129 for the Pixel Tablet). The 256GB would cost £699/$599.
However, I’m not convinced that Google will go down this path again.
Many reviews, including Tech Advisor’s, criticised Google for not offering the tablet on its own. Now Google seems to have learned from that mistake, I’m hoping it offers both options from the start for the second generation.
Pitching the Pixel Tablet 2 at around £399/$399 on its own, and leaving the docking station as an optional extra (with a bundle discount), would be the wisest move in my opinion.
It would help the device to rival the iPad at least.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
What we want to see in the Pixel Tablet 2
In summary
- It might not launch, but some Pixel Tablet 2 specs leaked
- Could indicate some of what the Pixel Tablet 3 has to offer
- Tech Advisor wishes for more of the same, with improvements in certain areas
Although the Pixel Tablet 2 has reportedly been cancelled, Android Authority has shared a lot of information about its specifications and the features it could offer.
While neither official nor confirmed, this information reveals what the Pixel Tablet 2 could have been and some of which may still end up in the Pixel Tablet 3.
Design & Build
The Pixel Tablet 2, codenamed ‘kiyomi,’ retained the foundational design of its predecessor but included thoughtful improvements.
Google planned to enhance the accessory ecosystem with a first-party keyboard and stylus, making it more versatile for productivity and creativity.
The device also aimed to maintain its dual functionality as both a tablet and a smart display, aligning with its role in smart home setups.
We still like the Charging Speaker Dock as a unique selling point, but the speakers inside it could be a lot better, especially when compared to the Google Next Hub Max, which is very similar and sounds a lot better.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Display
A significant upgrade for the Pixel Tablet 2 was its 10.95-inch LCD panel, offering a 120Hz refresh rate compared to the original’s 60Hz.
The resolution remained at 2,560 x 1,600, but brightness was slightly increased to 550 nits from 500 nits.
While still an LCD, chosen to avoid burn-in issues common with OLEDs, the smoother refresh rate promised a better visual experience.
It’s possible that with the Pixel Tablet 3, Google moved to both a higher refresh rate and an OLED panel. We’d love to see it go brighter, too.
Performance
At its core, the Pixel Tablet 2 was planned to run on the Tensor G4 chipset, using an Integrated Package on Package (IPoP) design.
Though slightly thicker and warmer than the Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP) variant, it offered cost efficiency.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This represented a solid leap forward from the Tensor G2 of the original Pixel Tablet. Google also prepared the device for DisplayPort output, supporting up to 4K resolution, a step toward improved connectivity and external display capabilities.
If and when the Pixel Tablet 3 arrives, it could jump to the Tensor G6, making for a big performance jump.
Cameras
The camera setup would have seen moderate improvements.
The front camera would have been upgraded to a 10Mp Samsung sensor (from 8Mp), while the rear camera was planned to include an 11Mp autofocus sensor – up from the previous, fixed-focus 8Mp.
Despite these enhancements, face unlock was not included, even though the selfie camera was the same as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
We’re not too fussed about cameras on tablets but face unlock would be a nice addition.
Battery & Charging
The Pixel Tablet 2 was set to receive a modest boost in battery capacity, increasing from 6900mAh to 7200mAh.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
While not groundbreaking, this enhancement complemented the higher refresh rate display and improved performance, likely extending its usability for both tablet and smart display functions.
We’d also like to see faster charging like some of its rivals, such as the Xiaomi Pad 7.
Software
The software improvements were likely tied to Google’s broader efforts to optimise Android for tablets.
The addition of Thread support for IoT device integration showcased Google’s intention to deepen the Pixel Tablet’s role in smart home ecosystems.
However, some planned features, like 5G and GPS support, were reserved for the cellular variant, leaving the Wi-Fi model comparatively limited.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
We’ll be keeping an eye out for Pixel Tablet 2 news and rumours and will update this article when they appear.
For now, check out our list of the best Android tablets if you need to pick one up now.
